Marie D. Hackman, 81, of Hartland, VT died at her beloved home on Sunday, May 14, 2023, with her husband at her side.

She was born on February 6, 1942, in Doylestown, PA to David and Esther (Detweiler) Histand and spent her childhood in Franconia, PA. While in high school, she met a young man named Dennis and the two became high school sweethearts; after several years of dating, they married just a few days after her 19th birthday on February 11, 1961. As a Mennonite, Dennis chose 1-W service during the Vietnam draft and the two came to Hanover, NH, where he served as an orderly at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital. They loved the beautiful, quiet countryside of Vermont and since the beloved Lansdale Area near Philadelphia had changed so much during their time away, they settled in the Upper Valley.

In 1976, they began working to clear the land and build a home that became their dearly loved oasis in Hartland. For many years, she enjoyed getting to know the regulars and hearing the stories of tourists there to see the Gorge and grab a bite while she waitressed at Dana's by the Gorge. After retirement, they both enjoyed traveling extensively abroad and getting to know the local cultures and communities by staying in Bed and Breakfasts with their hosts in England, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. A lifelong member of the Mennonite faith, she was a member of the Taftsville Chapel Mennonite Fellowship in Woodstock, VT.

She was a dedicated mom and grandmother, always making sure to knit the perfect baby blankets and booties for each new arrival. Although she was adept in the kitchen throughout the year, creating wonderful dishes and baking the best bread, every Thanksgiving and Christmas, her skills would especially shine as she welcomed friends and family to share the holidays together.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dennis B. Hackman; three children, Jeffrey Hackman of Lansdale, PA, Glenda Clough and fiancé Craig Montgomery of Waterbury Center, VT, and Christopher Hackman and wife Jill of Snow Shoe, PA; one brother, Merrill Histand and wife Joann of Charlottesville, VA; eight grandchildren, Daniel, Hannah, Heidi, Paul, Erik, Jennifer, Ireland, and Elleah; six great grandchildren, Jace, Zoey, Layla, Izabelle, Jackson, and Gavin; daughter-in-law, Rose Hackman of Lansdale, PA; other extended relatives and friends.

A service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the Taftsville Chapel Mennonite Fellowship in Woodstock, VT. Knight Funeral Home of White River Junction, VT is honored to be entrusted with arrangements and online condolences are appreciated at www.knightfuneralhomes.com